Eurovision's Israel Dilemma
Oscars.For millions of Europeans and others nationalities around the world, that event is the Eurovision Song Contest. Eurovision, as it's commonly known, sees nations battle it out for the glory of having the best song on the continent, and is famous for its outrageous pageantry and putting ABBA on the map.Tens of millions of dollars are at stake, and despite its name, the contest is not restricted only to European countries.
Australia has previously taken part, despite being thousands of miles away, and Israel has competed dozens of times since its debut in 1973.
To take part, a country needs to be a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and have a state broadcaster to run the competition.This year, however, Israel's participation has unleashed a tidal wave of controversy—a difficult moment for a competition that prides itself on cheerful inclusivity.There are increasing calls from artists, competing countries, politicians and the public for Israel to be disallowed from May's contest, which is being held in Malmö, Sweden, and marks 50 years since ABBA won with "Waterloo." The prolific pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divest, Sanction (BDS) movement has also called for Israel to be banned.They argue that Israel's military assault in the Gaza Strip, which has killed close to 30,000 people in the Palestinian territory, according to The Associated Press, should disqualify it from participating.
Israel's campaign came after an unprecedented surprise attack by the military arm of Palestinian group Hamas on Israel in October which killed around 1,200 people, in addition to the kidnapping of more than 200, the AP reported.
